Jeep Wrangler

tidester · April 2004

Done! :-)

tidester, host

barresa62 · April 2004

I experienced pinging last summer in my 03'Sport w/manual tranny. I was using 87 octane gas (our reg gas in WA). I have switched to using 89 octane (midlevel here in WA) and have not experienced anymore pinging. Unfortunately, I'm paying about $ 2.17 a gallon. :-(

I have had one thing happen now for a couple of times though. It's usually after maintaining a constant highway speed like when I'm using the cruise control. After I slow down, like when existing an offramp, a warning bell sound begins(the same sound as when the gaslight comes on). No warning lights come on, gas tank has been half to full, etc. The sound continues for about 30 secs and then stops. This has happened about 3 times. Any thoughts about what this could be?

Clueless in Seattle,
Stephen

tsjay · April 2004

Thanks! Hope everything is OK with Pete.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

go_ducks · April 2004

Well, got the hard top and doors off the Jeep this weekend, and tooled all around the beach. Today, I finally got around to installing the new Rock Gear soft top that came last week. Of course, right after I installed the hardware and put the top up, I put it right back down as it's still sunny here and I'm currently doorless.

I took a ton of pictures while installing it and will get those up on a site sometime in the next month for the curious. Installation wasn't too bad, as there isn't much hardware--it uses the roll cage for support.

greta · April 2004

That "Rolling Marbles sound" is a good description for the manual transmission in the idle mode, out of gear; but I am referring to more of that "Pinging Sound" in the engine compartment, not from down under where I feel & heard the transmission. Perhaps I should try the next higher Octane and see what happens, though Regular 86 Oct. is what they say to use. Thanks for all the good advice. greta

gman1259 · April 2004

I like it, it looks good.

wheelsdown · April 2004

This is a big guess. I did not look in my manual or try it with my TJ, but many cars turn on a warning bell if you leave the turn signal on for more than 1/8th mile or so. Could you be giving a long signal before the off ramp?

Terry

greenjeep · April 2004

I really like her, Tom. She looks very nice with the black accents. I am experiencing a lot of raised eyebrows with the frog's electric lime green color. I don't have black quarter panels but I'm thinking it would look pretty good, maybe some diamond plate corners to match the black diamond plate rocker guards, but I've got the dual top option which are both black, and the interior is black. I think it is a very striking contrast. It definitely gets noticed -- its just that I'm not so sure people are looking at it because its pleasing to the eye or if they are trying to figure out why the heck someone would want to drive something that "glows" in the dark. I guess you could say I'm making my own statement. I originally wanted black on black but when I saw that electric lime green color (new for 2004) I just had to have it.

barresa62 · April 2004

Nope...no turn signal on, but I do know what you about turn signals. The mystery warning sound has happened about 3x. I've looked in the manual but all it said was this sound would come on if the emergency brake was still on or if the gas level got low (I know that sound well, LOL!).

Anyone have any more guesses? :-)

Stephen

tsjay · April 2004

Thanks.

I still think I am gonna paint those panels white, though. As a matter of fact, I picked up some sand paper and a couple rattle cans of white paint at lunch today.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

mtngal · April 2004

Well, I think we've finally made a decision on what to do. We'll just keep the Taco and replace the seats with something that has better back support. After all, it is running very well and if I keep it for another 2 years I wouldn't have to finance much of a new vehicle.

tsjay · April 2004

Sounds like a good choice, since you don't seem to really be burning with desire for any particular model on a new one. This will give you more time to check vehicles out and save you some money at the same time.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

twylie · April 2004

If it's just lumbar support you're hoping to improve, you may be get away with something like an aftermarket kit:

http://www.rostra.com/ac-lumbar.asp

This is the same company that I used for seat heater kits and they were high quality with decent instructions.

If there are other aspects of the seat you don't like your best bet is going to be some other Toyota seat since the likelihood of swapping tracks/seats will be better. I know many people have swapped Supra seats into some Lexus models for a better fit. TRD may make a replacement seat for the Taco that would be worth looking into, but more spendy for sure.

Good luck in the search for comfort!

-twylie

twylie · April 2004

This looks like a good find, but much more labor intensive. Looks like they belong there to me!

http://ttora-ne.com/newsite/new_england_ttora_volvo_seat_swa.htm

Bottom line is that it's definitely doable with some planning and the right shop to help you do the work.

-twylie

01r1 · April 2004

Tom,

Yes, I guess it has been a while since I've visited the board. We moved to a new house around new year's and got out of the habit of checking the boards. I'm back now, what did I miss?

(I know, about 1500 messages!)

No changes here, my 02 X is still doing great, no new mods or experiences to report. Other than it's now a daily driver, which I'm sure it prefers. Unfortunetly, it's not my daily driver, it's my wife's. Since I spend a lot of time on the phone, the Jeep was just too noisy to keep it professional. (don't flame me for using a cell phone while driving, I do pull over as soon as safely possible, but the TJ is loud even when stopped on the side of the road) But, it's my ride of choice for the weekends. Especially these summer-like days we've been having in the Pacific NW. There's nothing like driving around topless!

-Pete

01r1 · April 2004

Stephen,

Me too. I now only use 89 octane to prevent the pinging (though I can still find it for $2/gal down here in SW WA). I tried to get the dealer to address this problem since it's always done it, but since I've got 33" tires and 3.07 gears, they politely tell me that that's the problem. I accept that now, I'm just happy I can solve it with the mid-grade fuel and not have to use Premium grade.

-Pete

nolid5 · April 2004

Great to have you back Pete. I have been missing all the great NW photos you used to post. Great to hear the Jeep is still running good. (& topless) :-)

Rich

tsjay · April 2004

Now this is more like it!

Glad to have you back, Pete!!!!

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

greenjeep · April 2004

Speaking of topless. Its 80 degrees today with not a cloud in sight! Its definitely a top down kind of day. Wish I could leave work now. I'm a legal assistant at a lawfirm and after working for all these stuffed shirts all day, I'm ready to feel some wind in my hair. Can't wait to get outta here!!

Hope everyone else on the board is experiencing some nice top down weather too.

bamatazz · April 2004

Hi Jeepers, dint want ya'll to think I dissapeared an ya.
Swaped tops on Tazz last week, even too a few hours topless & doorless

now thats the way to "jeep". Just got my wife's Frontier paid for, now just to work on getting tazz paid for so I can do some mods for him.
Tom, I agree paint those corner guards.. Of course if ya didnt dent Thelma up in the 1st place you wouldnt have to get those ugly things

.
Take care all and of course KEEP JEEPIN

BAMA

tsjay · April 2004

Good to hear from you too. You have a habit of disappearing on us.

Well, shoot! I think Thelma Jane might just have to stay ugly. One of the nuts I need to get to to take off the corner panels for painting is behind the plastic fender liner. I pried and pulled and tried to get that fender liner loose, and all I managed to do was to partially pull the head of that plastic rivot through the fender liner. I gave up!

My poor Thelma Jane will always be ugly now, but I will still love her. Just hope she can forgive me for making her look like that.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

erickpl · April 2004

the rest of her black.

-Paul

jefferson1964 · April 2004

http://www.ebizautos.com/nalleyjeeproswell/detail.cfm?iid=313280

I was not much of an Unlimited fan until i saw this one on ebay.......

99tj · April 2004

thanks for the advice, Mac24.

I appreciate it.

Dan

99tj · April 2004

this is WAY cooler than the factory version.

The factory version looks OK with the top down, but I don't like it at all with the top up.

This modified version looks much better with the top up.
It kinda reminds me of the Rescue concept.

mtngal · April 2004

I've been thinking of getting a back support from the Relax the Back store as the cheapest solution. We've also thought about going with Corbeau seats - there's a shop in Bakersfield that orders them often, and someone on the Tacoma board said they had no problems installing them in a Taco. I also looked at the Recaro seats - just long enough to see the price (ouch!). I just wish I could get a couple of '98 Wrangler seats to fit in the Taco...

However, I liked the look of that lumbar support from your seat heater company - it looks like an option, even though we're both pretty clueless when it comes to do-it-yourself projects.

I sure liked the looks of that custom unlimited. Maybe I'll change my mind - I'm a girl, I'm entitled (hee, hee). Actually, I still would love to have a WRX wagon but just can't justify the extra cost of premium fuel.

Summer and Jeeping weather is definitely here. I was amazed that it got up to the high 90's at work yesterday. Looks like we'll take my Noble Black Steed to Vegas this weekend! My back will appreciate the break. For anyone wondering - I FAR prefer the seats in my Wrangler than those in the Taco!

go_ducks · April 2004

I had that problem on my '98 too. I replaced the passenger side mirror mount with a used one I picked up on ebay, then noticed another chunk of paint had come off on the mirror arm on the driver side mirror. I can see this is going to be a losing battle.

One week straight with no doors or top! The new soft top is still folded behind the rear seat. It probably won't get used until this weekend.

01r1 · April 2004

That black/white combination doesn't look bad Tom. I also agree that it looks better than the diamond plate version.

-Pete

tsjay · April 2004

Well, Jeep Buds, I will have four months under my belt on this smokin' thing tomorrow! Can't believe I made it this far!

Things have been really easy for me for about the last three weeks or so. Maybe that Bupropion (generic Wellbutrin) is doing something for me.

Thanks for all the support you guys have given me.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

oceantoad · April 2004

It was 2 years ago today that I picked up my Sport. I ordered it on the 1st and it shipped on the 15th, so less than a month from ordering to driving.

I have less than 15,000 miles on her.

Still a happy camper.

mtngal · April 2004

Way to go, Tom! That stuff seems to make a huge difference - my other half couldn't get 2 hours without it. It does get easier as time goes on, but be aware of the occasional craving that pops up every so often. They can take you by surprise (like my other half who walked into a casino and not long after bought a pack - he's still smoking). I always thought that getting through the 3rd month was the hardest. Once I did that it got MUCH easier!

mtngal · April 2004

Hi, oceantoad! How are things in CenTex? Good to hear you are still around.

Only 15,000 miles - I wish mine had that few at 2 years. Oh well, I love my Wrangler and it shows on the odometer. I wouldn't change a thing - I've had too much fun putting all those miles on mine.

Looks like my arthritic back will be my excuse to drive my Noble Black Steed to Vegas this weekend. He hasn't been out for a long road trip in a couple of months, so it is time, even with the price of gas as high as it is!

greta · April 2004

As you said, "now I only use 89 octane to prevent the Pinging sound"... I'm just wondering, other than the added expense of mid-grade gas, and as the manual does recommend 87 Octane; could there be any adverse effects to the engine? by running it with this higher Octane Gas? Thanks, greta

01r1 · April 2004

Greta-

No, not in my case. Since I've gone with 89 octane to alleviate severe pinging, I'm reducing damage that's associated with the pre-detonation (ping). I don't think it's necessary to use higher octane if you only experience light occasional pinging, since that's pretty normal.

-Pete

barresa62 · April 2004

will not harm the engine. The biggest quesion is whether or not the pinging is frequent enough to warrant the extra cost of the higher octane gas.

Stephen

capthowdy · April 2004

I just purchased my Jeep on 4-26-04. This is my first and probably last jeep. I love it I plan on keeping it until it falls apart. I had a Ford Explorer, I know shame on me for that buy, but I learned my lesson and now own the best vehicle made. It drives nicer than an original wrangler on the highway and way less bouncy than a Rubicon. I have already spent like $1500 on accessories and plan on about $2000 more within the next month or two. If anyone has any questions regarding this model please feel free to ask I will be happy to answer anything. I am also a mechanic so all the work will be done by me for this vehicle. My only question is for 2003 4.0L owners what can be done to get better gas mileage. I currently get like 15 miles to the gallon and would like to get closer to 18 if possible. Thanks for reading and I am truly an ecstatic Jeep owner and love the whole waving and friendliness of other Jeep owners.

erickpl · April 2004

To get better gas mileage? hehe Don't get a Jeep.

The Wrangler is esp notorious for lousy gas mileage. Blame it on its aerodynamics.

I have been working to get my mileage up. I've replaced the air and oil filters, installed new plugs and wires, and done everything mechanically to improve it. I've heard people say a K&N may improve mileage a bit, but there are filtration issues there. Tire size may play a role - bigger = lower mileage (generally). If you are in a manual, follow the shift light.

Not sure what else you can do. But enjoy your Jeep! It may not be too practical, but they sure are fun.

Welcome!

mac24 · April 2004

A genuine 15 mpg from an Unlimited, which is an auto and also heavier than a regular Wrangler, is excellent. I don't know what your total $3500 of accessories will consist of, but if you add any significant weight in terms of bumpers, rockers, or a winch etc., then expect your mileage to go down.

If you really want better mileage keep your speed below fifty, keep your tires fully inflated, use synthetic lubricants throughout............ and drive as though you had a bowl of scalding hot soup balanced in your lap!

:--)

greta · May 2004

You say "If you are in a manual, follow the shift light" ... it always seems to light up prematurely, especially as one might need more torque or power to get up a hill in the lower gear, it lights up? I feel like I need to ignore that light to keep it from "pinging" in that higher gear? greta

mac24 · May 2004

The light is a guide to getting the best emissions/mpg. It has no knowledge of the current traffic conditions, or the steepness of any hill that you might be on.

If you've only been changing gear when the shift indicates, that's almost certainly why you've been experiencing excessive 'pinging'.

If the engine lugs and you experience 'pinging' when you change into a higher gear, then you changed up too soon. With the torque available from the 4.0, you should be able to go up and down the gears with the smoothness of an automatic.

As I said before, a rev limiter prevents you from over reving it. There will be occasions when you'll need to almost red-line it (maybe ascending a mountain pass while overtaking a semi), and times when following the shift light will be appropriate (maybe a long trip on a flat road). You need to experiment with your driving technique a little.

greta · May 2004

I typically shift up or down when it feels and sounds optimally appropriate to the speed, terrain, etc., as I think I would know best when to do so. However, "light pinging" does occur occasionally. So; I just went and added 1/2 a tank of 89 Octane to the existing 1/2 of 86 Oct. in the tank. It seems to have quieted it all down, though I have only driven a few miles so far, and its hard to really notice yet. Anyway, here is my next question, as I did that, have I "Spoiled my Jeep" now??? Will I have to stay with the higher Octane (& its higher price,) or else forever be doomed to suffer all the more "pinging" if I were to drop back down to the 86, now that I goosed it up with that higher Octane? greta

tsjay · May 2004

Methinks thou dost worry too much.

If 89 Octane keeps the Jeep from pinging, then that's what I would use. It's only about 10 cents per gallon more than 86 Octane, right?

Around here, "regular" is 87 Octane, and I don't have the pinging problem with Thelma Jane. Could be you are just a hair shy on Octane at 86, even though you are supposedly OK running it.

If it were me, I would use the 89 Octane and stop worrying about it. Gas prices are so high anyway, what's a dime a gallon???

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

mac24 · May 2004

Yup, you've spoilt it now. If you ever try to use a lower grade again it'll stamp its tires up and down in a tantrum and refuse to start!

Seriously, if you have a problem with pre-ignition that isn't caused by your driving style, then at only 3800 miles you need to have it taken care of under warranty.

tsjay · May 2004

Welcome and Howdy, Capt. Howdy! I felt it was my duty to do that, so I guess that was my "Howdy duty."

Seriously, glad you found us and hope you will stick around and post often. As far as I know, you are our first family member to own an Unlimited. Please keep us up to date with how you are enjoying that Jeep and how you are using it. You gonna go offroad with it???

Hey, if you ever want to come down to Land Between the Lakes in western Ky, I would be glad to guide you around Turkey Bay OHV Area. That's where I do my wheelin', and it's a great place to wheel!

http://home.earthlink.net/~tsjay49/

Your drive would be about 7 hours from Chi-Town (I checked your profile). I grew up in Hammond.

Hey, wheelsdown, who is one of our members, lives in Chicago, so maybe you guys could hook up.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

zinman61 · May 2004

Glad to see an Unlimited owner here. I'm considering a wrangler purchase and was pleased to see the unlimited model added to the wrangler line-up. My wife learned to drive on a '72 Commando; the unlimited approaches that size. Questions for you are: did you test drive the other wranglers? What differences did you notice? Why did you opt for the unlimited? Were you set on an automatic and didn't mind that standard is not offered in the unlimited? Personally I prefer a manual and will wait to see what DC releases next year. Sorry for the long list of Q's but remember, you asked for it.

greta · May 2004

Perhaps I dost worry too much. I just hate the idea that this new '04 Wrangler; which I've looked forward to owning for sooo long, could have problems. The dealer just seems to shrug off my concerns, as it says in the manual that light Pinging" is OK. That answer just doesn't sit well with me. Thanks! greta

tsjay · May 2004

I know, man. That Jeep is your baby, and you want to take the best possible care of her. I understand that.

Remember now, you have a seven year, seventy thousand mile warranty, so calm down. Keep records of having taken the Jeep back to the dealer. Make the dealer give you something in writing that would prove you had taken it back regarding the pinging.

Keep all of your service records for all maintenance items, and have them done on schedule. You should be protected that way.

I really think it is just an octane issue, and I would rather spend a dime a gallon and not have to listen to that pinging, if I were in your shoes. Like I said, I get 87 octane here and have no pinging. Officially, I think you can go as low as 85 octane, but that might cause that "light pinging" that they say is normal.

So, cheer up, spend the extra dime per gallon, and enjoy your Jeep.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

chiefusn · May 2004

Pinging never an issue here....2003 Wrangler Sahara...4spd automatic...even when lugged down to 1500 rpm climbing hills in summertime.I use 87 octane regular.My 4.7 V8 in the Grand Cherokee never sang one 'ping peep' either.If I had one of those stupid shiftlights in either one of my Jeeps, I'd disable it....but that's just me.

saharanc · May 2004

I need some help y'all.

I have a 2002 Sahara (factory soft top) as a DD and need to get ready for Summer.

I'd like to get a bikini/duster/windjammer set up. Exactly how "not waterproof" is this set up? Would the halftop hold up better to the elements? The vehicle will definately see some rain as a DD.

Also, and just as importantly, are there issues with the factory Sahara sound bar with these tops?

Thanks in advance for tips/reviews.

Raleigh, NC

mtngal · May 2004

Wow! I go away for a weekend and there's all kinds of posts to catch up on!

capthowdy - I looked at an Unlimited and test drove it. While I liked it, I wasn't sure I really wanted to take the gas mileage hit for a daily driver (especially since I drive 150 miles a day). I get a pretty constant 20 mpg with my 5 speed Sport under good conditions (almost all highway miles) but if it is windy, forget it! I get that type of mileage because I shift right around when the light comes on as much as I can, try to keep it around 65 mph and never go over 70 mph. I've found that going downhill saves more gas than I use extra going up hill (my commute goes from sea level to about 6,000 feet). My guess would be that I would probably get about 17 mpg if I were to get an Unlimited.

Good luck with yours!

Jeep Wrangler

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